The Greatest Italian, Colombian, South African "Drama, Fiction" Books Since 1980

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Drama

Drama is a genre of literature that typically deals with serious and emotional themes, often exploring the complexities of human relationships and the struggles individuals face in their lives. These books often feature intense character development and intricate plotlines, delving into the depths of human experience and the challenges of navigating the world around us. From family dramas to political intrigue, the drama genre encompasses a wide range of stories that aim to captivate readers with their raw and powerful storytelling.

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  1. 1. Disgrace by J M Coetzee

    "Disgrace" is a novel that explores the life of a middle-aged professor in South Africa who is dismissed from his position after having an affair with a student. After losing his job, he moves to the countryside to live with his daughter, where they experience a violent attack that significantly alters their lives. The story delves into themes of post-apartheid South Africa, racial tension, sexual exploitation, and the struggle for personal redemption.

    The 247th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

    This novel tells the story of two friends, Elena and Lila, growing up in a poor neighborhood in Naples, Italy in the 1950s. Their intense, complicated friendship is marked by competition, mutual respect, and deep affection. As they navigate the challenges of adolescence, including family drama, academic struggles, and romantic entanglements, their bond is tested and transformed. The narrative explores themes of female friendship, social class, education, and the struggle for personal autonomy in a patriarchal society.

    The 1214th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Silk by Alessandro Baricco

    "Silk" is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of a 19th-century French silkworm merchant who travels to Japan for business. During his travels, he becomes enamored with a mysterious woman. His unrequited love for her haunts him for the rest of his life, even as he returns to France and continues his life there. The novel explores themes of love, longing, and the profound impact that brief encounters can have on one's life.

    The 1890th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante

    "The Neapolitan Novels" is a four-part series that explores the intricate and lifelong friendship between two women from Naples, Italy. The series spans several decades, beginning in the 1950s, and provides a detailed examination of the women's lives, struggles, and the societal pressures they face. The narrative delves into themes of identity, friendship, love, violence, and socio-political changes in post-war Italy. The series is known for its rich character development and vivid portrayal of female friendship.

    The 3090th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Troubling Love by Elena Ferrante

    This novel follows a woman who returns to Naples after her mother's mysterious death, determined to understand the enigmatic life her mother led. As she delves into her mother's past, she uncovers a web of secrets and discovers more about her own identity in the process. The narrative explores themes of mother-daughter relationships, identity, and the power of the past.

    The 3762nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Our Lady of the Assassins by Fernando Vallejo

    This novel is a dark and gripping exploration of life in Medellín, Colombia, during the height of the drug wars. The protagonist, a middle-aged writer, returns home after many years abroad, only to find his city ravaged by violence and death. He falls in love with two teenage assassins, who guide him through the underworld of the city, exposing him to the brutal realities of life in a place where human life has lost all value. The story is a bleak commentary on the devastating effects of drug trafficking and political corruption on society.

    The 4110th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Master Harold...And The Boys by Athol Fugard

    The play takes place in South Africa during the era of apartheid and revolves around the complex relationship between a young white boy and two black men who work in his mother's tea room. The boy has grown up with these men and shares a close bond with them, but as he struggles with personal turmoil and the pressures of the racist society around him, he begins to assert his racial superiority, leading to a devastating display of discrimination and the shattering of their familial relationship. The narrative explores themes of racism, human dignity, and the impact of societal injustice on personal relationships.

    The 5434th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Living, Loving And Lying Awake At Night by Sindiwe Magona

    "Living, Loving And Lying Awake At Night" is a poignant and introspective memoir that delves into the life experiences of the author, exploring themes of love, loss, and the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. Through her powerful storytelling, the author reflects on her personal journey, including her upbringing in rural South Africa, her struggles as a single mother, and her pursuit of education and career success. With honesty and vulnerability, the book offers a compelling exploration of the complexities of life and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 5452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. This Life by Karel Schoeman

    "This Life" is a reflective narrative that delves into the memories and experiences of an elderly South African woman as she nears the end of her life. Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Boer society, the story unfolds through her introspective journal entries and letters, revealing the intimate details of her personal journey, her relationships, and the quiet struggles she endures. The novel poignantly explores themes of isolation, the passage of time, and the search for meaning, offering a contemplative look at the universal human condition through the lens of a solitary life lived amidst the vast landscapes of South Africa.

    The 6421st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Novecento by Alessandro Baricco

    The book is a poignant monologue that tells the story of a gifted pianist born on a transatlantic liner in the early 20th century. Abandoned at birth, he is named after the year of his birth and grows up on the ship, never setting foot on land. His extraordinary talent for piano captivates everyone who hears him play, and his music becomes legendary among travelers and crew alike. The narrative, recounted by a fellow musician and friend, explores themes of belonging, the meaning of home, and the transcendent power of music to connect people across the boundaries of time and space.

    The 6663rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. En Diciembre Llegaban Las Brisas by Marvel Moreno

    Set in the Caribbean region of Colombia, the novel weaves a tapestry of stories focusing on the lives of women from different social backgrounds, spanning several decades of the 20th century. It explores themes of love, betrayal, and the oppressive social norms that dictate women's lives. Through a series of interconnected narratives, the book delves into the personal struggles and intimate experiences of its characters, revealing the complex interplay between societal expectations and personal desires. The arrival of the December breezes serves as a metaphor for the winds of change, challenging the status quo and bringing to light the underlying tensions within this traditional society.

    The 7017th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Un Beso De Dick by Fernando Molano

    "Un Beso de Dick" is a poignant and intimate exploration of young love and self-discovery set in Colombia. The novel follows the life of a teenage boy who grapples with his emerging sexuality and the intense feelings he harbors for another boy. Amidst the backdrop of a conservative society, the protagonist navigates the complexities of friendship, passion, and the search for identity. The narrative delves into the emotional turmoil and the challenges faced by those who dare to defy societal norms, ultimately offering a narrative that is both tender and heart-wrenching as it reveals the transformative power of love and acceptance.

    The 7913th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Born Twice by Giuseppe Pontiggia

    The novel centers around a father's profound journey as he navigates the complexities of raising a son with cerebral palsy. The narrative delves into the emotional and social challenges they face, exploring themes of acceptance, resilience, and the redefinition of fatherhood. Through his son's condition, the father confronts his own vulnerabilities and the societal prejudices against disability, ultimately experiencing a profound transformation that leads him to a deeper understanding of love, identity, and the human experience.

    The 8313th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Children by Carolina Sanín

    The book is a haunting exploration of solitude and the unexpected ways in which lives can intersect. It follows the story of a woman who leads a solitary life in a city, her routine existence disrupted by the sudden appearance of a silent, enigmatic child at her doorstep. As she takes the child into her home, the woman is drawn into a surreal journey that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, prompting her to confront her own past and the mysteries of human connection. The narrative weaves a tapestry of magical realism and psychological depth, examining themes of loneliness, motherhood, and the search for belonging in an indifferent world.

    The 10017th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download